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Elderly Financial Abuse

Government Advice on Preventing Elderly Abuse

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Government Advice on Preventing Elderly Abuse While the Federal government is currently conducting ongoing research to help prevent all types of elderly abuse, the Administration on Aging (AOA) has released a few tips to help the elderly and loved ones try to prevent financial abuse. Research The AOA begins by suggesting that any caregiver be researched with a background check. Those who financially abuse an elder – and who are reported – have a permanent mark on their record. The Vancouver Home Health Care Agency already completes this check, but anyone who is associated with an elderly person should be researched thoroughly. Sadly, financial abuse is so under-reported that it’s difficult to know the culprits, but every case of financial abuse is considered stealing. If it is reported against a person, it will be included on a permanent record. Address Ageism The AOA website confronts the matter of ageism, which is defined as a discrimination against older individuals. Ageism is a disrespect for the elderly, to the point where those who victimize these people do not see them as people. This must be addressed as a nation, according to the AOA, and education for those who believe in ageism is becoming a pressing issue. Gather Advance Planning Tools This is the most important tip in avoiding financial abuse. Advance planning tools include: Living wills Advance directives Limited powers of attorney These tools will clearly highlight who is allowed to sign for the elderly person, who is allowed to handle money, and who is allowed to allocate funds, if necessary. While this will not stop the issue, it will slow down those who would take assets from an elderly person. Public Awareness Public awareness must be increased to help stop the issue. The AOA recommends an increase in communication, which will help in the following ways, according to the website: Increase awareness of the issue Influence changes to social norms Influence prompt action in the incident of financial abuse Advocate new laws and increase demand for services to avoid financial abuse Refute misconceptions and strengthen community relationships If you have any questions about increasing financial elderly abuse awareness, contact Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Getting Help

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Government Advice on Reacting to Elderly Financial Abuse The Administration on Aging (AOA) has released a list of tips to help professionals, caregivers, and family member respond to elderly financial abuse. While it can be hard to recognize, once it is realized, it is important to take action to make it stop immediately. Those who discover financial abuse are encouraged by the AOA to contact the Adult Protective Services, or APS, in their state. As this program is federally funded, each state holds an office dedicated to the care and protection of the elderly population. In Washington state, the hotline for elderly exploitation is 1-866-363-4276, or 1-866-END-HARM. Each county also has an office for the aging, where exploitation can be safely reported. In Oregon, the direct line to report elderly exploitation is 1-855-503-7233, or 1-855-503-SAFE. The out of state line to call is 503-945-5832. What to Say All reporting can be done anonymously, if desired. Simply request to provide the elderly person’s information as an anonymous person. Prepare some facts before making the call, such as: Person’s name Address Contact information Details regarding reason for concern Depending on the agency and the situation, the AOA states that follow up questions may need to be asked, such as the elder’s medical and living situations. What Next? The aging agency will respond to the concern and conduct an investigation. Nationwide, the first responder is typically Adult Protective Services, according to the AOA. However, other government and non-profit agencies may get involved, such as local law enforcement, a long term care ombudsman (mainly for nursing home situations), and Eldercare Locator. Every report is considered serious and none are ignored. Please call Vancouver Home Health Care Agency if you suspect financial abuse, if you need help recognizing the signs, or if you need help reporting an incident. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Elderly Financial Abuse and the Government’s Answer

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Elderly Financial Abuse and the Government’s Answer Elderly financial abuse has become a serious problem in society – so serious, in fact, that the United States government has responded with a number of websites dedicated to the research and response to the issue. The websites are run by agencies such as the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Administration on Aging (AOA). These agencies handle all types of elder abuse, but financial abuse has received its own dedicated pages and tabs. These sites are important for doctors, relatives, and caregivers who handle elderly care on a daily basis. The information provided includes a careful assessment of who abuses, why they abuse, and what to do in response to the abuse. The sites also help readers understand how to recognize the abuse, because recognition is often the hardest step in the process. The NIJ states that understanding why someone abuses an elder requires more government research, however, they state that financial abuse is the lowest form of financial abuse. The site also admits that this number may be skewed by unreported cases of abuse, and, in fact, some elders may not realize they are being financially abused. The NIJ reveals that more research must be done, but the fact is that it is happening much more often than people realize. Financial abuse happens when someone steals money, spends an elderly person’s money, or forges an elderly person’s signature. Property is also an issue; when someone uses, sells, or takes an elderly person’s property, it is considered financial abuse. The government recognizes this and is currently researching the situation to find answers. The government is providing education at this juncture for doctors, caregivers, and loved ones who have elderly family members. The Federal government’s Justice Department is proactive for reported cases, investigating all reported cases and prosecuting those who are found guilty. However, as elder financial abuse is difficult to recognize, the Government is taking a retroactive stance through education. The reason financial abuse is so difficult to recognize is because many elders don’t see it as abuse. They simply think they are taking care of a loved one, because many of the people who financially abuse an elder are family members. This is why the government websites are focused on educating everyone on recognizing the signs, reasons for abuse, and proper reactions when abuse is discovered. It is important for caregivers, doctors, and family members to keep up with these websites, at National Institute of Justice (NIJ)  and Administration on Aging (AOA) As research is ongoing, government agencies will share information with the public on these sites. Doctors often direct patients to these sites, as they are easy to read and understand. The government is working toward bringing this crime to light. Anyone with an elderly loved one must be educated on the signs, dangers, and reality of financial abuse. If you want more information on financial abuse, or need help understanding the signs, call Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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